A Boeing 737 modified for use as a waterbomber was used to fight bushfires as fires around the popular tourist spot of Port Stephens, nearly 200 km (124 miles) north of Sydney, forced an emergency evacuation of residents. There were no reports of injuries or loss of property.

Strong winds across Australia’s southeast coast also caused commuter chaos at Sydney and Melbourne airports, the country’s two busiest, with thousands of air travellers stranded after dozens of flights were cancelled.

Sydney Airport cancelled 76 flights after all but one runway was closed due to the strong winds.